Young Legend of Inspiration: Edward Amartey-Tagoe

I hinted on Google plus on how excited I am to outdoor a new inspiring legend here. I believe that once you are letting your light shine, you shall be recognized no matter how dark the corner you have hidden yourself. After all, sugar does not announce it presence but the ants always locate it.

  

Determined to become a medical doctor from childhood, Edward Amartey-Tagoe applied to study biological science at the University of Ghana. Two years after, he unfortunately did not make it on the final list of students going to be admitted into the medical school. Very heart breaking it was for him as he watched his peers make it into the medical school without him.  He finally just had to choose any of the Science majors which he resorted to Psychology.

Though disappointed and heart broken, Edward made efforts which turned things around in his life. He found out he had fallen in love with some thing else after his first love medicine had failed him. He realized he had developed some passion for Entrepreneurship; founded a small venture to supply university students with their mobile phone calls airtime needs. He grew this small venture into a 4 staff venture with a turn-over attractive enough to pay his own bills and no longer depend on his parents. What started in Legon Hall soon got branches into two others and another one in Madina.

After two years, Edward sold his business, although he wouldn't say how much, he says it was enough to provide for himself till he entered MEST.

Edward was born with an Entrepreneurial instinct. He always on the lookout for buying and selling opportunities. Edward has tried his hands and many different entrepreneurship chances, not all were legal though. He has provided passports for the University of Ghana student body before, something he did until Anas stormed University of Ghana and 'spoilt the market'. For two years, Edward connected bed--buyers and bed sellers together and made his cut on the transactions. Though this was seasonal, it became a trade he was very well known for. At the beginning of the academic year, most stranded students would look for Edward, who most often than not, had a list of others who were  willing to sell their beds!

Now he is an ethical business man, and whenever he looks back at all the funny attempts at entrepreneurship, he has  no regrets. For him, these were the stages he had to go through to get to what he is now.

After his Bachelor's degree in Psychology at the University of Ghana, he enrolled at Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology(MEST) , the biggest tech incubator in West Africa. The US State department selected Edward as a tedx fellow in December 2012 to share his inspiring stories with other african youth in the continent. Edward is a Software Entrepreneur with a strong passion for technology, social media and youth capacity building. Edward's leadership roles in Ghana's I.T community has seen him

 in the fore front of tech related events and projects such as Tedx Accra, Tedx Dzorwulu, Blog camp, apps4africa and over 20 barcamp events across the length and breadth of Ghana.

He established Nandimobile. In 2011, less than a year after starting Nandimobile, the young start-up won the Best Business Award at the Launch Conference (formerly TechCrunch 50), one of the world's biggest tech conferences organized in the Silicon Valley. Nandimobile's effective technologies which connect businesses to their consumers on mobile devices, is patronized by more than close to 400 businesses in Ghana which include the nation's big brands. 

Nandimobile's technology is supported by a sound business model which saw the company break even in its second year of operations. Nandimobile in 2013 became the 1st company in Ghana to ever win the United Nation's World Summit National Award and also Global awards in the same year. Techcrunch, CNN, The Next Web, MyJoyOnline and many other reputable journals have recognized Nandimobile's efforts in Ghana.

He led a team to establish the Ghana Social Media Hub. He also managed a team to host BlogCamp12, BlogCamp13 and BlogCamp14, Ghana's biggest social media events. He is currently the Director of Nandimobile Ltd and Director of Blogging Ghana.

 The following are some awards he has received;

• One of Ghana's 100 Most Influential personalities in 2013
• GUBA rLG Development Award, London, Nov 2013
• United Nation's WSA Global Champion, Sri Lanka, Oct 2013
• United Nations WSA Award for best e-content, Accra, Sept 2013
• Best Business Award, Launch Conference, San Francisco CA, Feb 2011
• 1st Runner-up App Circus Mobile App Competition Sept 2011

• Recipient, Presidential award and Scholarship, Jan 2000.
• Best Male Student for Eastern Region, March 1999. 
• Recipient, Methodist scholars’ Award, 1999. 

Born to a diplomat and an entrepreneur, Edward learnt and tasted different cultures because of his father's diplomatic assignments. Many Ghanaians live and die without ever shaking hands with any of Ghana's Preisdents past or present. However as one of twenty winners of Presidential Awards in 1999, Edward got the opportunity to shake hands with Ghana's President Jerry John Rawlings at a colourful occasion usually organized to reward academic excellence.

Edward attended Presbyterian Boys' Senior High School, one of Ghana's best senior high schools known to produce brilliant achievers. Edward has two sisters and is the last born. He is always grateful to his mum who at a very old age still decided to carry her pregnancy to full term whiles still stared at all the possible risks. Edward's challenge at a young age was to dissociate his father's influence from his achievements. 

With his above achievements he has attained, it's very obvious that challenged has been cleared!

I find it very inspiring that even though Edward came from a well-to-do family, he did not allow that to get into his head, but rather went ahead to work hard and take the bold initiatives which brought him huge successes!  

Young Legend of Inspiration- Gabriel Obodai Torgbor-Ashong.

Something struck me when I met this young man in my first year at the Ghana Institute of Journalism; he was different from others I had already met, after listening to him, I knew I had to take action. As time flew,actions and initiatives he took confirmed and solidified how different I felt when I met him the first time.He is "less talk, more action" personified.

Gabriel Obodai Torgbor-Ashong is his name, a final year student of the Ghana Institute of Journalism pursuing communication studies with Journalism as his major.
He is currently the General Secretary of the Ghana Institute of Journalism Student' representative Council and was the Google Student Ambassador for GIJ during the 2012/2013 academic year.

As a Google Student Ambassador then, he trained over 700 students on online Journalism and how best to earn income through it. He has also spearheaded an initiative of distributing over 500 free special Airtel Sim cards to students to make communication among them more efficient and convenient.
As General Secretary, He has immensely contributed to the success of our administration. Thanks to the Council's advocacy, a spacious students’ lounge has been built. He and his team have additionally installed a Plasma TV with a DSTV package for students’ pleasure, convenience and awareness. As of now, the SRC has also contributed to the successful establishment of Radio GIJ, 97.7 MHz. Today, students will directly have the opportunity to practice lessons taught in class and thereby enhance their potential.His early academic life did not all predict someone who would hold these positions.

"My dad is a commercial driver and my mum, a petty trader. I’m proud of them mainly because though they were not educated, they did everything within their capacity to educate me. I had my basic education at La Wireless ‘4’ School. I was one of the least performing students in class throughout my primary school,I couldn't read, write nor even spell simple words. Friends collected money from me before explaining assignments to me. I remember whilst in primary four, I was appointed the class prefect of my class but because I couldn't determine the names of my friends behind their exercise books to share to them, the position was taken from me and given to someone else. You can imagine the kind of embarrassment that brought me". he recounted.

"I never thought I could ever be that brilliant like some of my  class mates till my last day at Primary School: which was known as "OURDAY". I was playfully walking on a school corridor when I overhead two teachers advising the then School Prefect.They told him to often sit in front, be bold to speak and read to the hearing of everyone in class. I picked this advice, used it when we finally got to JSS at La Wireless ‘4’ Basic School. God being merciful, it worked for me. By the time I got to JSS 2, teachers considered me one of the best pupils in class and soon appointed me class prefect till we completed. I then attended Presbyterian Senior High school La, where I got elected the Compound Prefect and head of the Students’ Disciplinary Committee" he said gladly

"Whilst at PRESEC, I was privileged to volunteer for a youth advocacy organization called curious Minds(CM). CM is a media advocacy organization based at Ghana Broadcasting Corporation. I had the opportunity to travel with the group to child labour and child trafficking villages to assist children who were being abused in one way or the other. We brought their plight to the doorstep of policy makers and made it known through the group’s radio programmes on Unique FM and Obonu FM. I am privileged to be a presenter on one of the Organizations radio programme for the past four years" he said.

In 2010, through his work with Curious Minds, he was selected together with another volunteer to represent Ghana at the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa held in Ethiopia. He was privileged to have met former US President George Bush and then Ethiopian President, MelesZenawi.

After completing Presec La, He gained admission to read B.A. in Communication Studies at the Ghana Institute of Journalism in 2010. Whilst in level 100 at GIJ, he and his friend noticed that there was not any platform where students could easily and directly practice lessons taught in class.They energized
and established a fortnight student centred newsletter called Keteke Ghana. Realizing the impact Ketekenews was making on students, they established Keteke Club as a department to invite Communication experts to inspire and train students to write effectively.

They wanted to make impact on others and so they took a bold but herculean initiative. Keteke adopted a village in the Central Region called Otibilkrom. The village lacked potable water, health centre and electricity. The only school there was up to class three and without any accreditation.  Members of Keteke mobilized resources like books, pens and clothes and donated to children in the village.
They taught the pupils there, advocated through the media with a special documentary we made. Partly through their efforts, the school now has an accreditation from Ghana Education Service and the village has a borehole now.

"When we began the initiative and shared the idea with some friends to support, they mocked us and thought it will collapse in no time. Today, I look at the impact Keteke is creating on campus and beyond and become so thankful." he said.

"Through my volunteerism work with Keteke Ghana and Curious Minds, I have had the opportunity to visit the United Kingdom, South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria and Togo to support young people’s initiative. I started reporting for Metro TV recently and I really look forward build up my journalism skills through the wonderful platform
I may have started life as a less intelligent guy but today, the story is quite different. Mates who looked down upon me years back hear of and see me and become amused about where I have reached. I started reporting for Metro TV recently and I really look forward build up my journalism skills through the wonderful platform" he added.

"For me, it’s just by the Grace of God.I am a strong believer in Christ. I also believe that irrespective of our background, we can make a difference in our own small ways just as some of our own colleagues are also doing. To this end I often say that in life, time waits for no individual so you act now or regret later for not taking that important step. Whatever you decide to do, you commit yourself to do it well less you bother yourself. So you either drink deep or you taste not". he advises.

This is my young legend of inspiration.How he never relents till he has taken that initiative and sees to it till its a done deal is really admiring. Many students lives have been impacted through his training programs and I am one of such students. I must confess he really has a heart of gold, he so has volunteerism at heart and never hesitates to be involved when it comes up.
His constant encouragement and "can-do-spirit" is a key ingredient in keeping my blogging spirit alive. He serves as an inspiration to many students on campus. He is inspiring, yes he is!

Kindly take a minute to know him better through this one minute video:

He will be very happy to hear from you.


Google+ : Gabriel Obodai Torgbor-Ashong.
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/GEBASH
Email address : gabrielashong@gmail.com
Blog : gabrielashong.blogspot.com

Super Wednesday- Unexpected Change

The great joys of yesterday,
Without a pain.
How frequent smiles appeared on my face,
At an ever increasing pace.

Without a warning,
The lights dimmed.
Down smiles were pinned,
In, darkness creeped.

Green turned red,
No more bread,
Waters dried,
Times without number eyes cried.

Flesh thinned,
Outlets stiffened,
Sorrow thickened,
Friends were far away.

My head, a carriage.
Carried my own burdens,
With no pardon,
Seeking for refuge.

Strength drained,
Heart aches,
Weak, bone goes.
Joy always faints.

Who? ,
When? ,
Where? ,
How? .

 My brain seeks answers,
 For wholeness my heart yearns.
 Strength my bones needs,
 From whence shall these come?

 I see it from afar,
The green light day,
Though far,
Worth waiting for!

Super Wednesday; The Second Golden Chance

It's extremely crazy when something you badly want  to do away with tends to strike a thunder on what you badly want and wish to protect.
Emotion is king. Whatever you want to do must not affect our "king" negatively. It's very delicate and it's fruits are powerful; either a blessing or a curse. It could be either sweet or bitter too.
There is no feeling as rotten as letting down the flag of trust someone has been holding high for you, especially when it's not your intention at all. It's worse when the efforts you have been making turned out to be the windstorm that blew down the flag of trust.
At that moment, nothing said or done can instantly raise up the flag. If you are not given up on, then that's a golden chance and would just  be a matter of time. No body would perfectly comprehend what you went through no matter how well it's narrated till the person passes through same.
The indispensable ingredient is no more, yet the soup is still cooking. It can't taste the same says the custodian . It's crooked but not broken, surely it can be whole again.
The efforts made towards the mending has been great and amazing! It's beyond words and description. The "faultee" has put in more than the " faulter" which makes is amazing. It's rare. Perhaps the "faulter"  has realized not words our planned actions can do the mending but it's takes that " grace element" from the "faultee" to restore the wholeness once again.
One special thing about the whole thing I have realized is that the "poison" has made us stronger; injected into us the consciousness of value and unity and this is priceless.
A second chance backed with a pure intention is precious and I'm nursing and caring for it as I would do for my baby. However,  the "faulter" is still human. Only that it's in check and won't go overboard anymore.
These are thoughts that have been hovering in my mind for sometime now. It's worth sharing so I just did.

Daddy's Love

I respect and admire men who would not mind doing things seen as “feminine duties” to help out their wives.
Even as a little girl, I thought and felt so cool seeing my dad do for me, the things my mum is to usually do. I remember those mornings when he bathed me and got me ready for school. Getting three girls ready for school in the mornings before 6;30am whiles preparing for work also wasn’t a joke; his thoughtfulness of adding certain duties to his roles impressed me greatly.

I felt so attached to him; I was very close to him because I felt his love always through his actions. No matter how tired he was after work, he mostly made time to have a chit chat with “his little girl” about how and what went on in school. Some of these things made our bond stronger.

I remember one time my little sister used a “foul word” on me and I hit her. My dad hit me slightly on the arm to set my little sister at peace and that broke my heart greatly. “Why did he have to hit me? Did he hear what my little sister told me?” I asked myself. I felt our love was bruised. I eventually fell sick out of that. That was how dear his love was to me.
I also remember how he gave me cold baths and served me dinner all the time during my convalescence period, with him being close, my recovery was quick. There are countless precious moments I would want to share but would leave that for another post. That were little things he did for me that bonded us greatly till today.

Big things are great, but little things done out of love and thoughtfulness touches my heart a lot, they mean very big to me. They are those things that become part of me which I remember easily and talk about fondly.
Those are memories I wish to keep in a box, tie with a red ribbon and keep with me forever.

Super Wednesday- "That man, that inspiration"

There are people who can never be forgotten, they are just so special; not because they don’t have humanly characteristics or got the best of everything, but because they inspire change when they come into your life.

I have met a lot of people in life; those who live by what life offers to them, those who strive to change their status quo, those whose life is an inspiration on its own and those who brave through life, drive on, to make their dreams a reality and not stop there but make positive impact on those they come in contact with. I have known people who, for a long time, haven’t influenced me or made any impact on me and those who strive to make people better as long as you are in their lives and have contact with them.
Four days ago on I hinted on this write-up on Google plus “For a few months now, I have seen great positive change in my life. I have been inspired, pushed and guided to work hard, read widely and write more. I love the new me. That man, that inspiration”.                                                                                                    
I was not the laid back person who would not strive and better herself up, at least I have taken bold and difficult initiatives which landed me great opportunities and rewards but I have seen great, positive, rapid change in me within a short period of time. I have worked harder, read more, written more and have become a better person; because of someone I met who had great positive impact on me.

 It’s been less than half a year; a few months, ever since I came into contact with “That man, that inspiration” and there has been a new me. Let me share two aspects of my life that has experienced these changes. I had this blog, but hadn’t done this much on here. The first time I met “that man, that inspiration” on a one-on-one date, all we talked about was me, my talent, passion and ambitions. Then this blog came up. Though I had a few pieces here already, “that man, that inspiration” constantly injected into me and constantly reminded me on the fact that I had to grow this blog by writing more.

With his help, I have been able to create and introduce two segments here; Young Legends of Inspiration where I profiled Ato Ulzen Appiah in my debut and Super Wednesday, where I share a piece every Wednesday. There are a lot more in the pipe line. I love writing, it is goes beyond a hobby, and it’s a passion of mine. It makes me happy; it gives me great joy to know I am making progress with it. If someone is passionate about growing and bearing fruits concerning my passion, that means a LOT to me.

My reading habit has improved positively. I usually read once a while when I pounce on a book occasionally. Within this few months I have read books that I would have taken a whole year to read. I don’t only read but review them also. All of these happened with his constant encouragements, suggestions, advice, strict principles and supervision. This has increased my knowledge and vocabulary base and that I look back and find amazing.

There are other parts of me that has been affected positively too which I can’t talk all about in this post. I leave that for another day. This may not seem a great deal to someone, but it is to me. It means a lot to me for someone to take my passion and dreams at heart, work hand-in-hand with me in making them a reality. If everybody I had met had made such impact in my life within a short period of time, I wonder what kind of amazing person I would be now.

“That man, that inspiration” has helped me out a great deal, some; I can’t even talk about here because of their private nature. He has made me realised I wake up every morning with a passion to grow, a challenge to overcome and a dream to fulfil. Every fibre of me is grateful to him for his great help in making me a better person. There have been instances where he could have given up but he still forges on to make my dreams a reality. What better association could I have wished for?
Some people can never be forgotten, they are just so special; not because they don’t have humanly characteristics or got the best of everything, but because they inspire great change when they come into your life and “that man, that inspiration is undoubtedly one of them.

Super Wednesday- The Strange Proposal.

It was Super Wednesday, I was drenched in my birthday mood so much that I couldn't post this, but I have now.I have had some strange occurrences. I would like to share one, which I have had questions about, till now.

I was born into Methodism, my family was a very staunch one. I still happened to be in the children service because I was not yet of age to join the youth fellowship. Children service was interesting and taught me a lot of religious things. I was very involved in the activities in children service, till I had to leave for boarding school in Senior High and could only be part of them when it was vacation.

 It happened about six years ago. I was about entering form two in Senior High. It was vacation, had the opportunity to join the children service again, at least till school re-opened. In church, I was very sociable; I was opened to all. Though I was reserved (as usual), I was everybody's friend whether my age or not. I didn't have favourites (after all its church where people seek sense of belonging, why should favouritism be encouraged anyway?)

One day, a young little boy who was eight by then sent his little sister to bring me something. It was a folded piece of paper. Church was closed by then, I decided to open it when I reached home. "What could this little boy want to tell me which he couldn't approach me with but had to write?" I wondered. Well, I got home and opened it. What I saw surprised me; I have been amazed by it till now.

"Dear Sister Mabel, 
 I want to tell you that I have got feelings for you and I love you. I am shy and can't tell you in the face, so I wanted to write this."

Whoa! I was shell-shocked! An eight year old little boy could write this to me a seventeen- year -old girl? Was I dreaming? Lots of thoughts were running in my mind. "He had feelings for me? Could an eight year old boy in 'Ghana' have feelings for a seventeen year old girl?"  "He loved me"; did he really know what love is and really meant?  "Why not any of his age mates at least, but me?"
I have had a couple of boys who were my age mates and even older telling me that as at then but not someone younger than me, an eight year old boy!

I was so surprised, didn't know what to do exactly; whether to tell someone or not, what to tell my "little boy" in love, how to go about the whole thing. Gradually, another Sunday approached but unfortunately, he wasn't in church neither was his little sister (our betweener). I had to go back to school within that week which meant I would be in school by that next Sunday... 

I left for school and came back home for another vacation. I saw him in church, and decided to speak to him when church was over. Immediately church was over, my "little love" had rushed home, nowhere to be found! I wondered why. The next Sunday, same happened. He has kept his distance from me till now.
He is adolescent now, in Senior High. The last time I saw him, he was going home from school.  He was very grown compared to when he sent me the letter.

He had feelings for me, He loved me.... my little love!